Report: More tainted blood in Japan

TOKYO, Dec. 29 (UPI) -- Tainted blood products may have been used decades ago to help treat chicken pox and other common diseases in Japanese children, a report said Saturday.

The Asahi Shimbun reported that during the 1970s and 1980s, tainted blood products appear to have been used to treat numerous children, leaving them at risk for hepatitis C.

Recent analyses of a 1970s blood product known as immuno-globulin preparations found traces of the virus, prompting concern among Japanese health officials.

The blood products were used to treat a wide range of diseases during the '70s and '80s. The widespread exposure could mean a greater number of unreported hepatitis C infections.

As part of the revelation, in addition to other tainted blood reports, the Japanese government reportedly is formulating a relief package to cover all victims. The Asahi Shimbun said that package does not currently cover the immuno-globulin products since the hepatitis C link has not been officially confirmed.